Timillia: I didn’t start out as a model; I joined Model Mayhem in 2010 as a makeup artist. I slipped away from the makeup scene a few months after realizing that I only had a passion for transforming my own face into new looks and that I didn’t want to do it as a career. I did however, realize through being a makeup artist that the modeling aspect was much more intriguing. Knowing nothing about the modeling industry other than what I learned from watching America’s Next Top Model made it really interesting to learn step by step the way things work. Modeling was not something I wanted to pursue career wise because the industry is notoriously tough to break into, especially for a model that stands just 5’ 2” tall. I knew that my education and a steady career should always come first, so I pursued modeling as a hobby, an outlet for the stresses of everyday life that allowed me to relax and have fun. I didn’t expect to make money or become famous. My only goal when I broke into the modeling world was to be published in at least one magazine. It didn’t matter if it was well-known or just a local magazine. That was 3 years ago and I’m very proud to say that I’ve reached that goal and am now a successful published model having many publications.

MM Edu: What type of modeling do you enjoy most?

Timillia: I don’t have one specific genre that I prefer, I just love being creative, unique and standing out; inspiring others by creating one of a kind, colorful, eye catching art.

MM Edu: If you could work with anyone, who would you choose and why?

Timillia: I’ve worked with some of the best photographers in California; it’s time to go big. My goal for the future is to collaborate with photographer Nigel Barker. He was always an inspiration to me as I watched him on America’s Next Top Model.

MM Edu: Do you have a photo shoot that stands out?

Timillia: One of my all-time favorite shoots would have to be my paparazzi inspired shoot. For my 18th birthday a small group of photographers came together to make my dream concept come true. My sister and I rented a limousine and drove all around Fresno while the “Paparazzi” took photos of us. It was really fun to act like we were famous while shopping at the malls and to see the reactions of the people when they saw photographers following us around with big cameras saying things like, “LOOK, LOOK! IT’S TIMILLIA THE FAMOUS MODEL!!”

MM Edu: What do you have coming up this year that you’re looking forward to?

Timillia: The most exciting and interesting thing that’s happened this year so far is that a local modeling agency has been in contact with interest in representing me. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes me.

MM Edu: What does it mean to you being voted 2012 Model Mayhem Model of the Year?

Timillia: Being voted Model Mayhem’s 2012 Model of the Year is an amazing honor allowing me to represent petite models.